Matthew McDermott

Matthew P. McDermott is a highly respected public affairs professional with over 25 years of experience in both public and private sectors.1 He currently serves as the Senior Vice President at The Zita Group (TZG), a lobbying and government affairs firm based in West Trenton, New Jersey.34

McDermott's extensive background includes:

1. Developing and deploying advocacy-based strategic plans to resolve complex issues and advance policy agendas.1
2. Serving in two administrations, including seven years as a senior staff member to Governor Chris Christie.1
3. Holding senior leadership positions in four state departments, including:
   • Assistant Commissioner for Government and Community Relations at the NJ Department of Transportation
   • Director of Appointments for Governor Chris Christie
   • Chief of Staff to Lt. Governor Kim Guadagno
   • Chief of Staff and Deputy Commissioner at the NJ Department of Labor and Workforce Development
   • Director of Communications for the NJ Department of Treasury1

From 2002-2010, McDermott was the principal of McDermott Public Affairs, providing advocacy, strategic planning, coalition-building, and direct lobbying services to various industries.1

McDermott is known for his trustworthy, insightful, and solutions-driven approach, informed by his intimate working knowledge of all three branches of state government.1 He received his Bachelor of Arts degree from Fairleigh Dickinson University.1

Recently, McDermott was named to InsiderNJ's New Jersey's Irish-American Leaders List for 2024, recognizing his contributions to making New Jersey a great place to live, work, and play.2